THINKING SKILLS---ORGANIZING:     TAKING NOTES FOR A RESEARCH PAPER 
Using Note Cards to Record Information and Sources 
Using Note Cards to Create the Bibliography and Outline      Keeley Library    April 22, 2000
  • Take all notes on 5 x 8 index cards or pieces of paper. 
  • Place each note on a separate card. You will find that the same source of information will provide different points that you will want to use at different times in your paper.
 Arrange your index card in the following way: 
  • Use the top line for the subject of the quote or  information 
  • Use the middle of the card for the information
  • Use the bottom for the source of the information (book, periodical, or other source.)
Sample: Note Card 1.
GOVERNMENT POLICY ABOUT WETLANDS          (subject)
 The government has not always been in the business of protecting
 wetlands. Until the 1960's, government policies encouraged and -even paid
 for turning wetlands into other uses. Draining and filling these water
 soaked lands provided fields and pastures for farmers and gave cities room to  grow. 
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Bedford, Barbara. "Wetlands: Mired in Controversy". 1993 Science Supplement World Book Annual Science Supplement Chicago: World Book, 1992. p13 
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Sample: Note Card 2
KINDS OF WETLANDS                                                  (subject)
There are several kinds of wetlands: Bogs are characterized by acidic soils and the heavy growth of mosses. Both bogs and fens contain large amounts of partially decayed plant life.
 

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Smith, Robert Leo, "Wetland" in World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 21 Chicago:World Book, 1990 p. 255

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The sources at the bottom of your note cards  will be used for your bibliography. It is important to make a note of all your sources while you are taking notes, so that you won't have to retrace your steps later to locate the sources.
Sample Bibliography
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bedford, Barbara. "Wetlands: Mired in Controversy". 1993 Science
       Supplement  World Book Annual Science Supplement
         Chicago: World Book, 1992. p13

Smith, Robert Leo, "Wetland" in World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 21
         Chicago:World Book, 1990 p. 255

 
The subjects at the top of your note cards will be used to develop an outline for your research paper.
Rough Outline:
 
 SAVING OUR WETLANDS                 (Title of your report)

I   Introduction

II   Kinds of Wetlands                                  (See note card example above.)
     A. Bogs
     B. Fens
     C. Marshes
     D.  SWAMPS

III  Government Policy about Wetlands   (See note card example above.)
     A. Before 1860
     B. Recent Policy

IV. The Role of Environmental Groups
     A. Public Awareness
     B. Legislative Action

V. Conclusion

BIBLIOGRAPHY (List of sources used for this report) 
INTERNET RESOURCES
Note-take effectively Note-Taking
Note-Taling and Note Cards Notecard Examples

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Jane Constant, Reference Librarian
Keeley Library, B.M.C.Durfee High School of Fall River
September, 1978  to  June, 2001